Qube Cinema Technologies

Last updated

Qube Cinema Technologies
IndustryFilm, TV Technology
PredecessorReal Image Media Technologies
Founded1986  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
FounderSenthil Kumar, Jayendra Panchapakesan
Headquarters
India
ProductsQube XP, Qube Wire, QubeMaster Pro
Number of employees
650
Subsidiaries Qube Cinema, Inc.
Website Official website

Qube Cinema Technologies (formerly Real Image Media Technologies) is an Indian company operating in film and television technology. It provided digital non-linear editing and digital cinema sound to the Indian market in the 1990s. The company then began work in digital cinema products and deployment during the early years of the century.

Contents

History

Started in 1986 as Media Artists Pvt. Ltd. in Chennai (then Madras), India, the company was renamed to Real Image Media Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in the early 2000s after the merger of Real Image Pvt. Ltd. and JS Films into Media Artists Pvt. Ltd. Media Artists continued to be a brand of the company's audio post-production facilities until early 2017 but the primary focus of the company then moved to digital cinema and as of January 2018, the company's Qube digital cinema systems were installed in about 3760 screens in India. [1] In 2017, the company was renamed to Qube Cinema Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and in November 2017, it announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge with UFO Moviez Ltd. [2] but after significant procedural roadblocks in the process at the NCLT Mumbai, the merger was called off in early 2019. [3]

The first technology the company brought to India was computer-based non-linear editing with the Media Composer editing system from Avid Technology in 1993. [4] Subsequently, the company brought digital cinema sound to India in a partnership with DTS in 1995. [4]

In 2005, the company launched its own digital cinema system under the brand name Qube. [5] Qube Cinema, Inc. was set up in the US as a subsidiary of Real Image Media Technologies and markets the digital cinema technology of the parent company worldwide. [6]

Qube Cinema was originally founded by Jayendra Panchapakesan and Senthil Kumar to sell and support technology products for the broadcast and cinema industries in India. [7] Qube Cinema has 7 offices across India and a subsidiary in Los Angeles, Qube Cinema, Inc. The Qube product line is established globally, with about 7,000 installations across 48 countries so far and has digital cinema operations in 4,000 cinema screens across India. In August 2011, Qube provided servers and technical support for the fourth year to the Venice Film Festival. [8]

In March 2011, Qube introduced a 4K integrated media block (IMB) that is Ethernet-based, allowing exhibitors to have their storage servers within or outside of their theater. [9] It allows for central storage in multiplex theatres and is designed to work with any digital projection system that supports an IMB. In September 2011, Qube introduced QubeMaster Xpress 2, for digital cinema mastering. [10]

Starting in 2012, Qube Cinema began installing its d-cinema servers and IMBs in Giant Screen theatres. In January 2012, Qube held the first public demonstration of 4K 3D streaming from a single server when they installed a d-cinema system at the Moody Gardens MG 3D Theater in Galveston, Texas. [11] [12] [13] The transition of the Moody Gardens theater from 70 mm film to digital 3D used a Barco NV projector and Qube XP-I server and Xi IMBs. This installation was followed, in March 2012, by one at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which became the first commercial installation of the Qube Cinema single-server 4K 3D system when it upgraded the museum's Giant Screen Theatre from 70 mm film to digital cinema. [14] And, in October, Qube Cinema partnered with Global Immersion to install its d-cinema system at the Giant Screen theatre of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. [15] In May 2012, Qube introduced server software capable of synchronizing multiple IMBs, making 4K 3D projection possible for theatre owners. [16] In August 2013, Qube partnered with D3D Cinema to install its single-server True 4K 3D system at the newly renovated Air Force Museum Theater at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. [17] In January 2014, Qube Cinema released software updates that added support for Dolby Atmos surround sound [18] as well as Barco Auro 11.1 sound [19] to its flagship XP-I and XP-D servers.

In November 2014, the company was listed by iSPIRIT (Indian Software Product Industry Roundtable), a non-profit think tank, in its top 30 index of Indian software product companies. [20]

Apart from providing digital cinema in India and selling the Qube digital cinema technology worldwide, the company also masters Indian feature films into the digital cinema format. [21]

Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of Intel Corporation, [22] Nomura, the Japanese bank, [23] and StreetEdge Capital, a U.S. based investment partnership, are investors in Qube Cinema Technologies.

Products

EPIQ

EPIQ, launched in 2019, is a premium large-screen format that competes with IMAX. The screen has an aspect ratio of 1.89. The system uses Barco RGB laser projection. [24] The first EPIQ screen was launched on 29 August 2019 at the V EPIQ Theatre at Sullurpet, Andhra Pradesh, India. [25] The second EPIQ screen in India was launched in July 2023 in Broadway Cinema, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. [26]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital cinema</span> Use of digital projectors in cinemas

Digital cinema refers to the adoption of digital technology within the film industry to distribute or project motion pictures as opposed to the historical use of reels of motion picture film, such as 35 mm film. Whereas film reels have to be shipped to movie theaters, a digital movie can be distributed to cinemas in a number of ways: over the Internet or dedicated satellite links, or by sending hard drives or optical discs such as Blu-ray discs.

IMAX is a proprietary system of high-resolution cameras, film formats, film projectors, and theaters known for having very large screens with a tall aspect ratio and steep stadium seating, with the 1.43:1 ratio format being available only in few selected locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Home cinema</span> Home entertainment system that aims to replicate the experience of a movie theater

A home cinema, also called a home theater or theater room, is a home entertainment audio-visual system that seeks to reproduce a movie theater experience and mood using consumer electronics-grade video and audio equipment and is set up in a room or backyard of a private home. Some studies show that films are rated better and generate more intense emotions when watched in a movie theater, but convenience is a major appeal for home cinemas. In the 1980s, home cinemas typically consisted of a movie pre-recorded on a LaserDisc or VHS tape; a LaserDisc Player or VCR; and a heavy, bulky large-screen cathode-ray tube TV set, although sometimes CRT projectors were used instead. In the 2000s, technological innovations in sound systems, video player equipment, TV screens and video projectors have changed the equipment used in home cinema set-ups and enabled home users to experience a higher-resolution screen image, improved sound quality and components that offer users more options. The development of Internet-based subscription services means that 2020s-era home theatre users do not have to commute to a video rental store as was common in the 1980s and 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empire, Leicester Square</span> Cinema in Leicester Square, London

The Empire, Leicester Square is a cinema currently operated by Cineworld on the north side of Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital light processing</span> Set of chipsets

Digital light processing (DLP) is a set of chipsets based on optical micro-electro-mechanical technology that uses a digital micromirror device. It was originally developed in 1987 by Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments. While the DLP imaging device was invented by Texas Instruments, the first DLP-based projector was introduced by Digital Projection Ltd in 1997. Digital Projection and Texas Instruments were both awarded Emmy Awards in 1998 for the DLP projector technology. DLP is used in a variety of display applications from traditional static displays to interactive displays and also non-traditional embedded applications including medical, security, and industrial uses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disney Digital 3-D</span> Brand name by the Walt Disney Company

Disney Digital 3-D is a brand name used by The Walt Disney Company to describe three-dimensional films made and released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures mostly under the Walt Disney Pictures label and shown exclusively using digital projection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imperial Theater, Copenhagen</span> Cinema in Copenhagen, Denmark

Imperial has the largest single screen in Northern Europe with 1002 seats. It is among the best cinemas in Copenhagen and is usually the go-to place for cinephiles in the Danish capital. Imperial is owned by Nordisk Film and is located near Vesterport railway station. It has undergone several renewals, the latest of which were completed in September 2013 when Dolby Atmos was installed. It is one of the only big cinemas in Copenhagen which can still project 70 mm film, as well as the only one which can project 4K in 3D.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PVR INOX</span> Indian multiplex cinema chain

PVR INOX Ltd, formerly known as PVR Cinemas, is an Indian multiplex chain based in Delhi. It was formed as a result of the merger between PVR Cinemas and INOX Leisure Multiplex. PVR pioneered the multiplex revolution in India by establishing the first multiplex cinema in 1997 at Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. In 2022, PVR Cinemas achieved the milestone of completing 25 years in the business. As of December 2023, PVR Inox has 1747 screens across 359 properties in 114 cities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shree Venkatesh Films</span> Indian media and entertainment company

SVF Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian film production and distribution company, founded by Shrikant Mohta and Mahendra Soni in 1995. Apart from producing and distributing Bengali films in West Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam and Tripura, SVF also distributes Bollywood and Hollywood films in East India. The other divisions of the company include Exhibition, TV Content Production, Digital Cinema, Music, New Media and IPR syndication. SVF was in Anandabazar Patrika's powerlist for 2008 and 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doremi Labs</span> American digital cinema software company

Doremi Laboratories, Inc., often shortened to Doremi Labs, was a developer and manufacturer of digital servers and format converters for the digital cinema, broadcast, post-production and professional A/V markets. It was established in 1985 in Burbank, California, United States, and was absorbed into Dolby Laboratories in a 2014 acquisition.

<i>Maryan</i> (film) 2013 Tamil film by Bharat Bala

Maryan is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Bharat Bala, and produced by V. Ravichandran, under the banner Aascar Films, starring Dhanush and Parvathy Thiruvothu. The film has music and background score composed by A. R. Rahman; cinematography and editing were done by Marc Koninckx and Vivek Harshan respectively. The dialogues in the film were penned by Joe D' Cruz. Oscar-award winner Resul Pookutty was the sound designer of the film. Maryan is an emotional journey of a common man to an unknown place with the hope to come home and lead a better life. The film's title represents the character as "a man who never dies". This movie is partially inspired from Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham written by Benyamin.

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. It expands on existing surround sound systems by adding height channels, interpreted as three-dimensional objects with neither horizontal nor vertical limitations. Following the release of Atmos for the cinema market, a variety of consumer technologies have been released under the Atmos brand. The initial cinema Atmos systems used in-ceiling speakers, then upward-firing speakers were introduced as an alternative for consumer products. Atmos is also used on some devices that do not have a height channel, such as headphones, televisions, mobile phones, and tablets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Priya Cinema (Kolkata)</span> Cinema hall in Kolkata, India

Priya Cinema is a uniplex cinema hall situated in Rashbehari Avenue, near Deshapriya Park, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The management is run by Priya Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. under the leadership of the managing director Arijit Dutta. This is one of the first cinema halls in eastern India to have features like a Dolby Atmos [(sound system)], Xenon Christie projector, Recliner seats, QUBE digital projection system, Harkness Screen and 2K Projection System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auro 11.1</span>

Auro 11.1 is one of the cinematic speaker layouts of the Auro-3D format, invented in 2005 by Wilfried Van Baelen.

SPI Cinemas was an Indian multiplex chain originally owned by the SPI Group, headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The company was often lauded for its premium quality and inexpensive pricing. Its theatres, primarily PVR Sathyam Cinemas at Royapettah are often used by filmmakers for film premieres and audio launch events. Popcorn served at SPI Cinemas had received considerable praise from film goers and the media. In August 2018, PVR Cinemas completed the acquisition of SPI Cinemas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galaxy Studios</span>

Galaxy Studios is a music recording, mixing, mastering and post-production facility established in 1980 by two brothers, Wilfried and Guy Van Baelen. It is the origin of Auro 3D sound technology, invented and developed by CEO Wilfried Van Baelen in 2005. Galaxy studios facilitates in Mol, Belgium various music and film post workflows: music recording, music mixing, mastering, sound-editorial services, Foley, dubbing, audio-post mixing, film grading and film mastering. Galaxy Studios has a film financing department called Mollywood that co-produces A/V media productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFO Moviez</span> Indian digital cinema distribution network

UFO Moviez India Limited is an Indian digital cinema distribution network and an in-cinema advertising platform. It operates a satellite-based digital cinema distribution network using its UFO-M4 platform and D-Cinema network. UFO Moviez is a company in the business of electronic delivery of digitized full-length feature films and content in theatres via satellite. UFO has also contributed to the revival of single screen cinemas in India and its secure technology has substantially reduced Piracy. UFO has ensured that audiences have ‘day of release’ access to films everywhere. UFO Moviez claimed to have released more than 11,000 films in 22 languages, on its UFO M4-Platform and DCI Network and has conducted over 21 million shows.

Auro-3D is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dolby Cinema</span> Premium cinema screen technology created by Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Cinema is a premium cinema created by Dolby Laboratories that combines Dolby proprietary technologies such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, as well as other signature entrance and intrinsic design features. The technology competes with IMAX and other premium large formats such as Cinemark XD and Regal's RPX.

Barco Escape was a multi screen video format similar to Cinerama introduced in 2015 by Barco N.V. The format combines Barco technologies such as Auro 11.1 as well as multi-projection in order to create a panoramic experience. The technology was expected to compete with IMAX and Dolby Cinema. It is now closed.

References

  1. "Qube Indian Theatre List". Qube Cinema. January 2018.
  2. "PE-backed UFO Moviez, Qube Cinema to merge". VC Circle. 2 November 2017.
  3. Laghate, Gaurav; Das, Saikat (17 February 2019). "UFO Moviez, Qube Cinema merger hits NCLT roadblock". The Economic Times. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  4. 1 2 Menon, Jaya (19 September 2005). "Cinema of the future is here, now". Indian Express. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  5. Real Image Media Technologies Unveils Digital Cinema - Screen [ dead link ]
  6. When Every Show Feels Like a Premiere - Span Magazine Archived 2011-10-16 at the Wayback Machine
  7. When Every Show Feels Like a Premiere - "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. Qube Cinema Serving the Venice Film Festival - http://www.live-production.tv/news/cultural-events/qube-cinema-serving-venice-film-festival%C2%A0.html
  9. Dager, Nick (13 April 2011). "Getting Down to Business: CinemaCon 2011". Digital Cinema Report. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  10. Debra Kaufman, Creative Cow - http://magazine.creativecow.net/article/qube-cinema-showcases-digital-cinema-products-at-ibc
  11. "Laser Focus", by Andreas Fuchs in Film Journal International - http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/news-and-features/features/technology/e3i7cfb89cd186864c3e7d84318f2b402f9
  12. Caranicas, Peter (24 January 2012). "Tech news and notes". Variety. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  13. "Biz wide-eyed over narrowcasting". Variety. 19 January 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  14. Qube Cinema Delivers 4K 3D from a Single Server - "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. CreativeCOW
  16. Qube Cinema Demos Multi-IMB Synchronization -
  17. Qube Cinema True 4K 3D System Installed for Giant Screen at Air Force Museum Theater - http://news.creativecow.net/story/872234
  18. Qube Cinema Servers to Add Dolby Atmos Support - http://www.btlnews.com/news/qube-cinema-servers-to-add-dolby-atmos-support/
  19. Qube Cinema Adds Support for Auro 11.1 by Barco Sound System - http://www.broadcastbeat.com/index.php/qube-cinema-adds-support-auro-11-1-barco-sound-system/
  20. Top 30 Indian B2B software product companies with total market cap over $6 billion
  21. Growth in India’s Digital Cinema Industry – Part 2
  22. Intel arm buys stake in Chennai’s Real Image - The Economic Times
  23. Real Image sees funds from Nomura - Variety
  24. "Products: EPIQ". Qube Cinema Technologies . 2023. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  25. "Chennai company comes up with large-screen format to rival IMAX". The Times of India . 4 September 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  26. Gowtham, G (7 July 2023). "India's 2nd Largest Screen Opened in Tamil Nadu". India Herald. Retrieved 20 November 2023.